Accessibility of AECV / Making good around flues

[andrewstokes87]

Hi again,

Sorry for seeming a bit daft but I just want to make sure I do everything 100% correct. I am currently in the process of completing 5 flats. They all of course have an AECV and my issue is with just 1 of them. The builder has boxed around one of the valves in a flat and has cut out a panel which is screwed in place as access to this valve which they say is ok? But I was thinking as this is an emergency valve it needs to be accessed easily and therefore being screwed shut would be awkward to get to in an emergency! I have suggested to them that they get a hinged door fitted to it so that it can be opened with no hassle. The question I have is wether the builders idea is adequate or am I right for my suggestion?

Question number 2 lol, The builders are down for patching and making good brickwork, whenever I carry out my own work I match up and seal around the flue with gobbo before fitting the rubber seal supplied with the flue. The builders on this job though are saying that just the rubber supplied with the flue is fine and that if that is fitted over the hole then there is no need to gobbo around the flue as they never have on another job. So could you please also tell me if the are correct or not?

Sorry for seeming dumb its just inexperience which I am trying my best to put right I don't want to make any mistakes.

Thanks

 

[AWheating]

The AECV valve needs to have easy to access without the use of tools so you are correct and a door would be the best soultion, also make sure the valve is label'd up correctly.

I would not leave a boiler running without the outside wall being sealed up with compo, the rubber cowl does not guarantee an air tight or waterproof seal in my opinion, Also sealing up gives the flue security,either explain to the builder that you will not sign off the boiler until its sealed or just do em yourself.

 

[SafeGasInstall]

do not listen to builder they ALL know it ALL better then every one else ! protect you back side and insist of panel remove
so to access AECV ,also list on your certificate that , by the way how easy is to access the ECV ,as if is same then install will be ID to me ! make good flue is a MUST do your job proper dont let builder tell you what to do as at the end of the day is you who is responsible for all the work not him ! Make sure if he does not listen then put a sticker on boiler
UNCOMMISSION APPLIANCE and cup it of from meter take a photo and leave (only as last option ) obviously try to be polite and make your point about safety to him

 

[diamondgas]

As above but don't forget to bill him for your time and additional visits!!! :ihih:

You can At Risk the installation and if he's being a bit stubborn mention Health and Safety Executive ... that usually changes their facial expression! You are the qualified Gas Safe Registered Engineer not them! Use tact and decorum of course!

 

[GrahamM]

If the AECV is not fully accessible then it would be 'AR'. At the very least it should be an opening door, not a screwed panel that covers it and fully labeled.

The flue MUST be fully sealed inside and outside the wall if at all possible. The rubber flap is at best a cosmetic addition and does little to prevent POC's being drawn into the cavity.
As mentioned above this would be NCS but as this is a new install it would be 'AR'.

 

[franky]

Tell the builder to take out the screws and get a magnet to hold it on.

 

[AWheating]

it can be a problem in some flats as you have to have the AECV at the point of entry into the propery, so if its in the lounge it looks crap with a timber boxing and door. When i have worked on these types of installs i have tried to get the gas to enter in kitchen so you can fit the AECV inside a kitchen cubby but its not always possible as these things need looking at at design stage and not installation stage.

 

[SimonJohns]

The way that the concentric flue was designed was to allow the passing of the flue through the wall by drilling a slightly larger hole.
So that you can attach the rubber cowl.
Push the flue out.
Pull the flue back and you have a nice finish without having to get acces to high level.

BUT. I would still try and get a lil more protection from poc's comin back in



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AWheating]

concentric flues have not always come with a rubber cowl, most used to come with none or a plastic one. I think the rubber cowl became standard when condensing boiler became popular due to the fact the flues have a slight fall causing rainwater to go down the flue into the wall.

 

[rm1]

an aecv must have an easy removeable cover for access not fixed

the flue must be sealed internally and externally if neither is sealed it is classed as at risk if one is sealed it is classed as ncs